‘These are all valid problems’

A: Whether people don’t like him, whether he’s made some enemies, the reality is we need to take care of the problems. The grades’ issue is a problem. The food service [conflict of interest issue involving manager Nancy Stewart and her private food company] is a problem. The credit card issue is a problem. These are all valid problems. There is no doubt he’s despised by the unions because he has been somebody who has held the line. We didn’t lay off any teachers and we’re not increasing class size. I think that because he is a tough negotiator and he doesn’t back down. That’s a positive. We have one of the lowest class sizes in the county. We have a good bond program that I think is being well-run. But if you are in charge [when something goes wrong], whether it was your fault or not, Gandara is the chief executive officer, the one who is accountable for the district. He is the one accountable. I think the top official does need to set the right example. And ultimately again we need to look at the district as a whole. We need to look at everything that’s going on with the district. And we need as board members and the superintendent to be able to set a good example.